An adult bobcat is 25 to 41 inches
long, not including the short, stubby tail, and weighs
between 15 and 20 pounds. The fur can be various shades
of buff and brown, with dark brown or black stripes and
spots. The tip of the tail and the backs of the ears are
black. It has short ear tufts, and ruffs of hair on the
side of the head.

Distribution and Habitat

Bobcats are found throughout North
America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They
live in a variety of habitats, including forests,
semi-deserts, mountains, and brushland.

Reproduction

Bobcats breed once yearly, usually in
early spring. Both males and females may have multiple
partners. The gestation period is 60 to 70 days. Kits are
born in a den, in caves, under logs, or even under barns
and sheds. There are usually two kits in a litter but
three or four are not uncommon. Kits are weaned at about
two months, and become independent at about eight months.
Males take no part in raising their offspring.

Diet

Bobcats are strictly meat eaters. Most
hunting is done at night. They stalk their prey, then
pounce and, if successful, kill with a bite to the
vertebrae of the neck. They hunt rodents, rabbits, small
ungulates, large ground birds, and occasionally reptiles.

Other Habits and Behaviors

Bobcats are solitary animals. Males and
females only associate for the brief time required for
courtship and mating. They are territorial, using urine,
feces, and anal secretions to mark their home ranges,
which may be as small as 5 miles and as large as 50 miles
in diameter. A successful male's home range overlaps with
those of several females, and may also overlap the
territory of another male. The home ranges of females do
not overlap one another.

The trails used by bobcats can be
traced, not only by footprints but also by scratches on
tree trunks where the bobcats have stretched and
sharpened their claws.